What goal does a Christian have?
Many Christians may want:
a successful career?
to save much money?
to have a happy life?
a peaceful life?
your own home?
Some of you may wonder if a person becomes a good Christian by doing these things?
viz. Reading the Bible daily,
Going to church on Sundays,
Going for confessions regularly,
Having the Holy Communion weekly?
While these are good.
But they are not the goal of Christian life.
None of the above is a Goal for a Christian as per the Holy Bible.
Knowing the goal is important to reach it.
The bitter truth is that many Christians are likely to miss the goal.
Ignorance of the Bible, of God’s ways, is an important reason for missing the goal.
“The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom,
And the knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.” (Proverbs 9:10 NKJV)
Many Christians study various sciences, mathematics, philosophies, and technologies – all for the sake of riches and livelihood for 40 to 60 years of typical earning years. They do not realise it is foolish to miss out on knowing about God. They do not realise that an eternal perspective is far, far superior and has long term implication than 40 to 60 years.
For riches are not forever, Nor does a crown endure to all generations. (Proverbs 27:24 NKJV)
Investment experts look at wealth that lasts. We know stock markets fluctuate, gold and silver can be lost or stolen, but eternal riches are secure.
“Do not overwork to be rich, because of your own understanding, cease! Will you set your eyes on that which is not? For riches certainly make themselves wings; they fly away like an eagle toward heaven.” (Proverbs 23:4-5 NKJV)
Knowing and articulating the goal, we are more likely to reach it.
Many of us Christians know the gate is narrow and the path is difficult.
13 “Enter by the narrow gate; for wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and there are many who go in by it. 14 Because narrow is the gate and difficult is the way which leads to life, and there are few who find it. (Matthew 7:13-20 NKJV)
We know the probability of reaching a destination when we drive aimlessly is negligible.
Yet, many Christians do not try to find it and know it.
Should we be casual in matters that have eternal matter?
Eternity does not start after death.
It starts from THE PRESENT, from this very moment of life, here on earth.
Starting NOW, from TODAY!
Your life might be the only Bible someone ever reads. Let it be one that draws them to Jesus and His teachings in the Bible. Here is the verse pointing to this.
Finally, there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give to me on that Day, and not to me only but also to all who have loved His appearing. (2 Timothy 4:8 NKJV)
What happens before this, as the verse above starts with finally. Would there not be something relevant before? Yes, certainly. The previous verse speaks about fighting the good fight, finishing the race, and keeping the faith.
I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. (2 Timothy 4:7 NKJV)
Question) How do we fight the good fight?
Answer) By preaching the word. By being ready always. Convince, rebuke, exhort with patience and teaching. The verse reference is given below.
Preach the word [as an official messenger]; be ready when the time is right and even when it is not [keep your sense of urgency, whether the opportunity seems favorable or unfavorable, whether convenient or inconvenient, whether welcome or unwelcome]; correct [those who err in doctrine or behavior], warn [those who sin], exhort and encourage [those who are growing toward spiritual maturity], with inexhaustible patience and [faithful] teaching. (2 Timothy 4:2 AMP)
Question) Why is it important to be ready at all times?
Answer) The time will come when people will not accept sound doctrine.
They will turn away from truth towards fables. They will get teachers who teach what they want to listen to. By preaching the word. By being ready always. Convince, rebuke, exhort with patience and teaching. The verse reference is given below. You need to be watchful, enduring afflictions, and fulfilling your ministry. The scripture reference is given below.
3 For the time will come when people will not tolerate sound doctrine and accurate instruction [that challenges them with God’s truth]; but wanting to have their ears tickled [with something pleasing], they will accumulate for themselves [many] teachers [one after another, chosen] to satisfy their own desires and to support the errors they hold, 4 and will turn their ears away from the truth and will wander off into myths and man-made fictions [and will accept the unacceptable]. 5 But as for you, be clear-headed in every situation [stay calm and cool and steady], endure every hardship [without flinching], do the work of an evangelist, fulfill [the duties of] your ministry.(2 Timothy 4:3-5 AMP)
Question) Isn’t this Paul’s letter to Timothy, who was an evangelist? How does it apply to others? You may not be an evangelist by profession. You can be a Doctor, Engineer, Accountat, Housewife, Student or anyone else.
Answer) Good question. The only gospel many get to read is between you and me.
You are right in saying you are not an evangelist. You may not be a preacher on a pulpit or doing a stadium crusade. Yet you have many people around your workplace, in the marketplace, in the near and extended family.
Understand that we are closer to the return of the Lord forever. And time is running short.
When you draw near to the Lord and receive from the regular habit of reading and receiving from the Word, the Holy Spirit will show revelations for your own life.
And as you desire and pray for salvation for people around you, so that people around you are not “lost,” but rather they gain eternal life, the Holy Spirit will teach you specifics.
God bless you.
More questions answered in the next blog post.
